Trifolium incarnatum L. var. elatius Gibelli & Belli
Scientific Name: Trifolium incarnatum L. var. elatius Gibelli & Belli
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Usda Symbol | TRINE |
| Group | Dicot |
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Growth Habits | Forb/herb |
| Native Locations | TRINE |
Plant Guide
Alternate Names
Alternate Common Names: scarlet clover, Italian clover, German clover, French clover, carnation clover, incarnate clover Alternate Scientific Names: Synonyms for Trifolium incarnatum var. incarnatum include: Trifolium incarnatum L. var. elatius Gibelli & Belli, Trifolium incarnatum L. var. sativum Ducommun, Trifolium stellatum L. ssp. incarnatum (L.) Gibelli & Belli, and Trifolium stellatum L. var. elatius Gibelli & Belli. Synonyms for Trifolium incarnatum var. molinerii include: Trifolium incarnatum ssp. molinerii (Balb. ex Hornem.) Syme, Trifolium molinerii Balb. ex Hornem., Trifolium stellatum subvar. stramineum (C. Presl) Gibelli & Belli, and Trifolium stramineum C. Presl.
Uses
Cover crop: Crimson clover is commonly used as a winter or summer annual cover crop in rotation with vegetables or field crops (Clark, 2007). It can be used alone or as part of a mixture with other legumes, small grains, and winter annual grasses. Species commonly used in mixes with crimson clover include vetches (Vicia spp.), subclover (Trifolium subterraneum), red clover (Trifolium pratense), black medick (Medicago lupulina), oats (Avena sativa), cereal rye (Secale cereale), and annual ryegrass (Lolium perenne ssp. multiflorum). It is also used as a winter annual reseeding cover crop between rows in vineyards, berries, and fruit and nut orchards. A case study in West Virginia showed that a corn silage crop was more profitable (10% savings) when preceded by an incorporated crimson clover cover crop than when side-dressed with a solution of urea and ammonium nitrate (UAN) at the standard rate of 120 lb/acre (Wickline and Rayburn, 2008). Given sufficient soil moisture, crimson clover can also be interseeded with corn and cotton or vegetable crops such as cantaloupe right after the last cultivation (Westgate, 1913). Green manure: Crimson clover makes an excellent weed-suppressing green manure crop, adding 70 to 150 lb N/acre as a winter annual if it is allowed to reach the late bloom stage before being killed or turned under (Ball and Lacefield, 2000; Clark, 2007). Mutch and Martin (2010) found that as a summer annual in lower Michigan, crimson clover produced ¾ to 1 ton dry matter and 50 to 60 lb N/acre by late November (as cited in Clark, 2007). At least three weeks should be allowed between green manure crop termination and planting another crop to allow residue to break down and soil microbial communities to stabilize. Forage, silage, and hay: Crimson clover is reportedly “among the most widely planted annual forage legumes in the United States” (Ball and Lacefield, 2000). It has been a popular winter pasture crop in the South since the 1940’s due to its good growth under cool temperatures and its ability to produce a substantial seed crop if livestock are removed six to eight weeks prior to flowering (Hollowell, 1951). Crimson clover also produces high yields of good quality hay when harvested at or before the mid-bloom stage. A good stand can yield 1 to 2½ tons dry matter per acre, while mixtures with winter annual grasses generally yield much higher (Ball and Lacefield, 2000; Hollowell, 1951). When overseeded on warm season grasses, crimson clover provides 60 to 100 pounds or more N per acre to the grass, even if grazed or hayed (Ball and Lacefield, 2000). Livestock: Crimson clover forage is highly nutritious, with over 25% crude protein that can be 80% digestible in early spring growth, and may contain 12 to 14% crude protein and 60 to 65% digestible nutrients on a dry matter basis even at full bloom (Ball and Lacefield, 2000; Harper, 2004). Although bloat is much less likely in animals grazing crimson clover than white clover or alfalfa, it should generally be used in mixtures with grasses to reduce this risk (Knight, 1985). The barbed hairs on overly-mature crimson clover flower heads can be problematic for horses, but can be avoided by harvesting hay promptly when it begins to bloom. Beneficial insect habitat: The flowers produce abundant nectar and pollen that attract European honey bees, as well as a wide variety of native bees. Honey bees make a light, good quality honey from the nectar. The flowers also harbor minute pirate bug (Orius tristicolor), a beneficial insect that feeds on many agricultural pest species, including thrips (UC SAREP, 2012). Wildlife: Crimson clover can be an important component of cool-season forage plots managed for turkeys and white-tailed deer, either alone or in a mixture with small grains such as oats, rye or wheat, and other legumes such as arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum) and Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum) (Harper, 2004). It can also be planted as reseeding cool-season forage in firebreaks near wildlife plots as part of a mixture with Austrian winter pea and wheat. Roadside erosion control and beautification: In the southeastern United States, crimson clover is planted along highways or roadsides to provide quick cover for erosion control, stabilization, and beautification. Seed crop: Crimson clover is a major seed crop in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon, accounting for 95% of the total US seed production and totaling $2.5 million in sales in 2010 (Oregon State University, 2011).
Status
Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g., threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).
Weediness
This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service office, state natural resource, or state agriculture department regarding its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS Web site at http://plants.usda.gov/. Please consult the Related Web Sites on the Plant Profile for this species for further information.
Description
General: Crimson clover is an annual in the legume family (Fabaceae). Plants are generally densely hairy with a rosette of upright, usually unbranched stems reaching 1 to 3 feet tall supported by a central taproot and many fibrous roots. The trifoliate leaves growing along the stems have egg- to heart-shaped leaflets that are nearly ½ to 1 inch long and are distinguished from the leaves of red clover (T. pratense) by their rounded tips and absence of V-shaped leaf marks (Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, 2012; Knight, 1985; Vincent and Isely, 2012). The cylindrical or conic flower heads at the ends of the stems are about 1 to 2½ inches long and contain many small (about ½ inch long) bright scarlet (or occasionally white) florets that open in succession from the bottom to the top of the flower head. Flowering is induced by day lengths over 12 hours, and plants bloom between April and August, depending on the climate and region (UC SAREP, 2012). Flowers are generally self-fertile but not self-pollinating (about 68 to 75% out-crossing), relying instead on bees that visit the flowers for nectar and pollen (Hollowell, 1951; Knight, 1985). The yellow seeds borne singly in small pods are larger and more rounded than red clover seeds. Crimson clover has approximately 120,000 to 150,000 seeds per pound (Hollowell, 1951; Whyte et al., 1953). Trifolium incarnatum L. a) habit, b) pod, c) pistil, d) staminal column and free stamen, e) keel, f) wing, g) flower, h) inflorescence, i) leaf, j) seed. Reprinted with permission of ASA-CSSA-SSSA Publishers, p. 59. Distribution: Crimson clover is native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia Minor, and was introduced to the United States as a cultivated crop in the 1800’s (Hollowell, 1951). It is now grown widely as a winter annual in the Southeast from Kentucky southward and from eastern Texas to the Atlantic Coast (USDA Hardiness Zones 6–9) (Ball and Lacefield, 2000; Clark,
Adaptation
Crimson clover grows best on well-drained, fertile, loamy soils, and is adapted to sandy to clayey soils of moderate acidity (pH 5.5 to 7.0); it does not grow well on poorly-drained or highly alkaline soils (Clark, 2007; Knight, 1985). This species tolerates more acidity than white and red clover (Whyte, 1953). Once established, it produces more biomass at lower temperatures than most other clover species (Hollowell, 1951).
Establishment
If sowing in a location where crimson clover has not been grown in the last three years, seed should be inoculated (use inoculant type “R”, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii) immediately before sowing for best stand establishment and root nodulation (Harper, 2004). Soil testing prior to sowing is important, particularly for phosphorus and potassium levels, which may limit N fixation and stand productivity if they are too low. Boron may also be limiting if reseeding is desired, especially on sandy soils, and lime is often needed to adjust the soil pH (Ball and Lacefield, 2000). Nitrogen fertilizer is generally not needed as these legumes are able to obtain sufficient N from symbiotic N fixation, and excess N levels may actually inhibit nodule formation (Gardner et al., 1983). Consult your local extension service for recommended fertilizer types and rates. As a winter annual, crimson clover is seeded from summer to late fall depending on region and intended use. It is generally recommended to plant six to eight weeks before the average first frost date (Clark, 2007), although research at Mississippi State University showed highest yields for crimson clover planted August 15 (Knight, 1985). For summer annual plantings in northern regions, sow in late May or early June as soon as all danger of frost has passed for a fall hay harvest, rotation with fall vegetables, or overseeding of corn (Clark, 2007; Westgate, 1913). Seed should be planted at a depth of no more than ¼ inch in clay soils and ½ to ¾ inch in sandy soils (Hollowell, 1951). In a well-prepared seedbed, drill at a single species rate of 15 to 18 pounds pure live seed (PLS) per acre, or broadcast at 22 to 30 lb PLS/acre (Clark, 2007). For mixtures, sow crimson clover at about two-thirds the normal rate and companion crops at one-third to one-half their single species rate, or no more than 90 lb/acre for small grains and 15 to 20 lb/acre annual ryegrass (Ball and Lacefield, 2000; Clark, 2007). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 days given proper soil moisture and optimum germination temperature of 70°F (Johnson et al., 2007). Crimson clover can also be seeded into existing pastures or hayfields of warm season perennial grasses such as bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum), Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense), and broad-leafed bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) if the grasses are burned, grazed, or mowed short just prior to sowing (Hollowell, 1951). The clover should be seeded into summer sod around the time of the first killing frost (Ball and Lacefield, 2000). Seed can be broadcast or drilled to a shallow depth; if broadcast, a light disking or heavy stocking with livestock after seeding may improve seed-to-soil contact and establishment.
Management
Livestock/Grazing: If seeded with winter annual grasses, initial growth should be monitored closely and grazed appropriately to keep the grasses from shading out the clover. In general, crimson clover should not be grazed until the plants are 4 to 6 inches tall, and grazing should leave at least 3 inches of stubble (Ball and Lacefield, 2000). However, leaving too much foliage may increase the occurrence of crown rot, so mowing or grazing prior to the coolest, wettest months is often necessary. Careful monitoring and grazing management is needed to prevent overgrazing crimson clover pasture, both alone and in mixtures. Crimson clover is generally a low-bloat forage, but should be fed with a mixture of grasses to minimize the risk of bloat. Other methods to avoid problems with bloat include providing dry hay to animals during periods of lush growth, avoiding turning hungry animals into a lush pasture, and providing anti-bloat materials (Ball and Lacefield, 2000). Reseeding: While some varieties of crimson clover have been selected for hard seed, seed does not persist long in the soil, so stands should still be allowed to make seed every year if reseeding is desired (Ball and Lacefield, 2000). As soon as bloom begins, livestock should be removed or stocking rates should be significantly reduced for at least a month to allow seed set. Plants can then be grazed again or cut for hay. Clover head weevils can severely limit reseeding potential some years if not controlled with an insecticide, but care should be taken to avoid harming bees if any sprays are used (Ball and Lacefield, 2000; Hancock, 2009). Cover crop termination: Crimson clover is easily killed mechanically by mowing or by spraying with herbicide after early bud stage, but N gains are maximized by waiting until late bloom or early seed set (Clark, 2007). If spraying as part of a conservation tillage system, a systemic herbicide will produce a more complete kill than a contact herbicide (Owsley, 2012). Clover can also be killed by a roller-crimper or rolling stalk chopper ahead of a no-till transplanter if it is in full bloom. In northern regions (Hardiness Zone 5 and colder), crimson clover is used to provide a winterkilled mulch that can then be disked or directly planted into in the spring.
Pests and Potential Problems
The two most widespread, serious diseases of crimson clover are crown and stem rot (caused by Sclerotinia trifoliorum) and sooty blotch (caused by Cymadothea trifolii) (Hollowell, 1951). Crown and stem rot is worst in the cool wet weather of fall, winter, and spring, and may completely destroy a stand. Stands that are overly thick or rank throughout the winter months may create conditions that promote this rot, but fall and winter grazing that removes excess foliage can reduce the spread of the disease. Sooty blotch is a leafspot disease evident during bloom. Both diseases can be substantially reduced by rotating crimson clover to another location for a few years. In general, crimson clover is more resistant to diseases and some nematodes than other species of clover (Clark, 2007). Clover head weevil (Hypera meles), an introduced pest from Europe, can sometimes severely limit seed yields, but some newer cultivars have been bred to be insect resistant (Knight, 1985).
Environmental Concerns
Concerns , Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Trifolium incarnatum L. var. elatius Gibelli & Belli.
Concerns
Crimson clover is a secondary host plant to pests such as corn earworm and cotton bollworm in the genus Heliothus, and has been removed from roadsides in Mississippi due to concerns over increased populations of those pests (Clark, 2007).
Control
Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it safely. Always read label and safety instructions for each control method.
Seeds and Plant Production
Plant Production
Plant Production
In the Willamette Valley of Oregon, where much of the US crimson clover seed is produced, fields are planted in late September with the fall rains, flower in mid-May, and are harvested in late June to early July when about three-fourths of the pods have turned golden brown (Aldrich-Markham, 2012). Plants are swathed at night, when they are damp with dew, to reduce losses of the easily shattered seed. Seed is allowed to dry in the swath for about a week, and then harvested with a combine using a belt pick-up header. Honeybee colonies placed in or near blooming fields will generally increase seed set and harvestable yields. Seed set may range from 1,000 to 1,200 lb/acre, but harvested yields are generally around 750 lb/acre due to shatter before and during harvest (Chastain, 2012; Hollowell, 1951). In Georgia, yields of improved cultivars such as ‘AU Sunrise’ and ‘AU Sunup’ harvested by direct combine are typically between 100 and 200 pounds of clean seed per acre. Seed increase field of crimson clover at the USDA-NRCS Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center, Americus, GA. Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) Crimson clover seed is widely available from commercial sources in both common type and improved cultivars. Cultivars should be chosen based on variety trial data from your local university. Early-maturing cultivars are best for over-seeding on summer grass sod to avoid competition, and also for green manure crops to allow early spring termination (Ball and Lacefield, 2000). Late cultivars may have higher yields if early termination and competition are not an issue, and can be grazed longer in the spring. ‘Dixie’ is the oldest cultivar, and along with ‘Auburn,’ ‘Autauga,’ ‘Chief,’ and ‘Talladega’ was once among the most widely used reseeding cultivars selected and/or bred for hardseededness (Knight, 1985). Dixie, Auburn, and Autauga are early cultivars whose seed matures about a week earlier than that of Chief, Talladega, or common types. Chief is the most winter-hardy cultivar. Another reseeding cultivar, ‘Tibbee’ (released in 1970), along with a soft-seeded cultivar, ‘Frontier’ (1962), were bred for improved seedling vigor, greater fall and winter growth, and early maturity (Knight, 1985), but have been largely replaced by more modern cultivars. ‘Flame’ (Florida, 1989) and ‘AU Robin’ (Alabama, 1992) are cultivars that were selected for early maturity from stands of Dixie. ‘AU Sunrise’ (1997) and ‘AU Sunup’ (2009) are reseeding cultivars jointly released by the USDA-NRCS Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center in Americus, GA, and Auburn University (Owsley, 2007, 2009, 2012). AU Sunrise was selected for vigor, growth, disease resistance, and especially early bloom date. It blooms 5 to 18 days earlier than AU Robin (previously the earliest blooming crimson clover line on the market) and 12 to 28 days earlier than Tibbee. AU Sunup was selected from the same line as AU Sunrise after another cycle of selections, and can flower 5 to 21 days earlier than AU Robin, and 7 to 30 days earlier than Tibbee, depending on the year and location. Both cultivars are well-adapted to Alabama and Georgia, and can also grow in Florida and Mississippi.
References
Aldrich-Markham, S. 2012. Clover seed production in Oregon. Oregon State Univ. Ext. Service, Corvallis. http://www.oregonclover.org/downloads/files/cloverseedproduction.pdf (accessed 22 Aug. 2012). Ball, D.M., and G.D. Lacefield. 2000. Crimson clover. Circular 00-1. Oregon Clover Commission, Salem. http://www.oregonclover.org/downloads/files/crimsonclover.pdf (accessed 21 Aug. 2012). Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. 2012. Trifolium incarnatum, crimson clover. Univ. of Washington, Seattle. http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagimagecollec.php?Genus=Trifolium&Species=incarnatin (accessed 17 July 2012). Chastain, T.G. 2012. Seed yield and acreage trends in forage legume seed crops. Oregon State Univ. Seed Production Blog, 3 Apr. http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/seedproduction/2012/04/03/seed-yield-and-acreage-trends-in-forage-legume-seed-crops/ (accessed 22 Oct. 2012). Clark, A., editor. 2007. Managing cover crops profitably, 3rd ed. National SARE Outreach Handbook Series Book 9. National Agric. Laboratory, Beltsville, MD. Douglas, G.W., D.V. Meidinger, and J. Pojar, editors. 1999. Illustrated flora of British Columbia. Vol. 3. Trifolium incarnatum L. In: B. Klinkenberg, editor, 2012, E-flora BC: electronic atlas of the plants of British Columbia. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Dep. of Geography, Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver. http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=TTrifoliu%20incarnatum (accessed 20 Aug. 2012). Gardner, E.H., T.A. Doerge, D.B. Hannaway, H. Youngberg, and W.S. McGuire. 1983. Crimson clover, vetch, field peas—Western Oregon—west of the Cascades. Fertilizer guide 30. Oregon State Univ. Extension Service. http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handlh/1957/20637/fg30-e.pdf (accessed 22 Oct. 2012). Hancock, D.W. 2009. Crimson clover. CSS-F002. Univ. of Georgia, Cooperative Extension, College of Agric. and Environ. Sci., Athens. http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/fieldcrops/forafor/species/documents/CrimsonClover_000.pdf (accessed 21 Aug. 2012). Harper, C.A. 2004. Growing and managing successful food plots for wildlife in the mid-South. PB1743-7M-9/04 E12-4915-00-007-04 04-0269. Univ. of Tennessee Agric. Extension Serv. http://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_agexfish/5 (accessed 22 Aug. 2012). Hollowell, E.A. 1951. Crimson clover. In: H.D. Hughes, M.E. Heath, and D.S. Metcalfe, editors, Forages: the science of grassland agriculture. The Iowa State College Press, Ames. p. 206–214. Johnson, K.D., C.L. Rhykerd, and J.O. Trott. 2007. Forage selection and seeding guide for Indiana. Agron. Dep., Purdue Univ. Cooperative Extension Serv. http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/forages/ publications/ay253.htm#Table 3. Forage legume species characteristics. (accessed 22 Aug. 2012). Knight, W.E. 1985. Crimson clover. In: N.L. Taylor, editor, Clover science and technology. Agron. Monogr. 25. ASA-CSSA-SSSA, Madison, WI. p. 491–502. Mutch, D.R., and T.E. Martin. 2010. Cover crops research. Michigan State Univ., Kellogg Biological Station Land and Water Program, Hickory Corners. http://www.covercrops.msu.edu (accessed 30 Aug. 2012). Oregon State University. 2011. Crimson clover brings boon to farmers and soil. Western Farm Press, 14 June. http://westernfarmpress.com/management/ crimson-clover-brings-boon-farmers-and-soil?page=1 (accessed 22 Oct. 2012). Owsley, M. 2007. Review of AU Sunrise crimson clover. USDA-NRCS Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center, Americus, GA. http://www.plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/pubs/gapmcmt7237.pdf (accessed 29 Aug. 2012). Owsley, M. 2009. Release brochure for ‘AU Sunrise’ crimson clover. USDA-NRCS Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center, Americus, GA. http://www.plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/pubs/gapmcrb8431.pdf (accessed 29 Aug. 2012). Owsley, M. 2012. Release brochure for ‘AU Sunup’ crimson clover. USDA-NRCS Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center, Americus, GA. http://www.plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/pubs/gapmcrb11076.pdf (accessed 29 Aug. 2012). UC SAREP. 2012. Crimson clover. In: SAREP cover crops database. Sustainable Agric. Res. and Educ. Progr., Univ. of California. http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/database/covercrops (accessed 30 Aug. 2012). Vincent, M.A., and D. Isely. 2012 (v. 1.0). Jepson eFlora, Trifolium incarnatum L., Jepson Flora Project. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html (accessed 17 July 2012). Westgate, J.M. 1913. Crimson clover: growing the crop. USDA Farmers’ Bulletin 550, Washington, DC. Whyte, R.O., G. Nilsson-Leissner, and H.C. Trumble. 1953. Legumes in agriculture. FAO agricultural studies no. 1. Food and Agric. Organ. of the United Nations, Rome. Wickline, B., and E. Rayburn. 2008. Using crimson clover to supply nitrogen to a silage corn crop. West Virginia Univ. Extension Serv. http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/ageng/Using_Crimson_Clover_to_Supply_Nitrogen_to_a_Silage_Corn_Crop.pdf (accessed 22 Aug. 2012). Prepared By: Annie Young-Mathews, Conservation Agronomist USDA-NRCS Corvallis Plant Materials Center, Oregon Citation Young-Mathews, A. 2013. Plant guide for crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum). USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Plant Materials Center, Corvallis, OR. Published February, 2013 Edited: 5Sep2012 cms; 17Sep2012 aaj; 18Sep2012 klp; 16Jan2013 plsp; 4 Feb2013 jab For more information about this and other plants, please contact your local NRCS field office or
Fact Sheet
Uses
Crimson clover, as a winter annual, is usually planted in the late summer to early fall. It can be utilized in pasture, hay, organic farming, pollinator enhancement, silage mixes, or used as a winter cover for soil protection or green manure crop for soil improvement.
Status
Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).
Weediness
This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service office, or state natural resource or agriculture department regarding its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS Web site at plants.usda.gov.
Description
Crimson clover is an introduced winter annual and herbaceous legume. The leaves and stems of crimson clover resemble those of red clover, but the leaves are round-tipped with more hair on the stems and leaves. Seedlings grow rapidly from the crown forming a rosette. This rosette enlarges as weather becomes favorable. In the spring, the flower stems develop rapidly and end their growth with long, pointed conical flower heads comprised of 75 to 125 florets. Florets are a bright crimson color and open in succession from the bottom to the top.
Adaptation and Distribution
Distribution
Distribution
Crimson clover will grow on soils of poorer quality than most other clovers, thriving on both well-drained sandy and clayey soils, It does not do well in extreme cold or heat, The preferable pH range is 6,0 to 7,0, After seedling establishment, growth at lower temperatures is superior to other clovers, Crimson clover has been used for a cover crop as far north as northern Maine, The primary growing areas are the Southeast and southern Atlantic coastal states, Americus, GA For a current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Website, Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Trifolium incarnatum L. var. elatius Gibelli & Belli.,
Establishment
Crimson clover seed should be inoculated for planting on critical areas where bacteria may have been lost. On sites that have been in pasture or hay, this is probably not necessary. Soils should contain moderate to high levels of phosphorus and potash prior to planting, but nitrogen should not be applied unless planting sites are degraded. Plant in the spring or late summer. Clovers may be frost seeded in late winter. This seeding method broadcasts seed on existing grass pastures when the ground is frozen, freezing, thawing, and early spring rain cover the seed. The best planting method is to drill the seed into a firm, weed free seedbed. No-till methods can be used successfully if effective weed control is employed. Seeding rates range from 10 to 15 lb/acre when seeded alone and 5 to 10 lb/acre when seeded in a mixture. Seed should be planted at about a ¼ inch depth.
Management
Pasture and hayland management varies depending upon the forage and/or forage mix. In grass legume mixtures management is based upon the grasses rather than the legumes. Graze or cut crimson clover for hay when in the early bloom stage (¼ to ½ in bloom). When used as a winter pasture, grazing too closely will affect the stand and the seed and forage yields the following spring. Grazing or hay cutting at or near maturity may be harmful. Hairs of stems and heads become hard and tough. If used as a green manure, manage the crop so it is plowed under about 2 to 3 weeks before the next crop is planted. Clover needs a high level of phosphorous. High inputs of nitrogen fertilizer will damage clover and other legumes by reducing their vigor and give a boost to the grass. Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) Most crimson clover types used in the past were common types. However, more recent introductions featured reseeding types such as ‘Dixie’, ‘Tibbee’, and ‘AU Robin’. ‘AU Sunrise’ and ‘AU Sunup’ are reseeding cultivars from the Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center in Americus, Georgia and Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. The ‘AU Sunrise’ and ‘AU Sunup’ releases are well-adapted to Alabama and Georgia, and can grow into Florida and Mississippi.
Plant Traits
Growth Requirements
| Fertility Requirement | High |
|---|---|
| Cold Stratification Required | No |
| Cold Stratification Required | No |
| Cold Stratification Required | No |
| Cold Stratification Required | No |
| Cold Stratification Required | No |
| Drought Tolerance | Low |
| Drought Tolerance | Low |
| Drought Tolerance | Low |
| Drought Tolerance | Low |
| Drought Tolerance | Low |
| Fertility Requirement | High |
| Fertility Requirement | High |
| CaCO3 Tolerance | None |
| Fertility Requirement | High |
| Fertility Requirement | Medium |
| Fire Tolerance | None |
| Fire Tolerance | None |
| Fire Tolerance | None |
| Fire Tolerance | None |
| Fire Tolerance | None |
| Frost Free Days, Minimum | 180 |
| Frost Free Days, Minimum | 180 |
| Frost Free Days, Minimum | 180 |
| Frost Free Days, Minimum | 180 |
| Frost Free Days, Minimum | 210 |
| Adapted to Medium Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Fine Textured Soils | No |
| Adapted to Fine Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Fine Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Fine Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Fine Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Medium Textured Soils | No |
| Adapted to Medium Textured Soils | Yes |
| Temperature, Minimum (°F) | 14 |
| Adapted to Medium Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Medium Textured Soils | Yes |
| Anaerobic Tolerance | Low |
| Anaerobic Tolerance | Low |
| Anaerobic Tolerance | Low |
| Anaerobic Tolerance | Low |
| Anaerobic Tolerance | None |
| CaCO3 Tolerance | None |
| CaCO3 Tolerance | None |
| CaCO3 Tolerance | None |
| CaCO3 Tolerance | None |
| Salinity Tolerance | None |
| Precipitation, Minimum | 32 |
| Precipitation, Minimum | 32 |
| Precipitation, Minimum | 32 |
| Precipitation, Minimum | 32 |
| Precipitation, Minimum | 35 |
| Root Depth, Minimum (inches) | 12 |
| Root Depth, Minimum (inches) | 12 |
| Root Depth, Minimum (inches) | 12 |
| Root Depth, Minimum (inches) | 12 |
| Root Depth, Minimum (inches) | 12 |
| Salinity Tolerance | None |
| Salinity Tolerance | None |
| Hedge Tolerance | None |
| Salinity Tolerance | None |
| Salinity Tolerance | None |
| Shade Tolerance | Intolerant |
| Shade Tolerance | Intolerant |
| Shade Tolerance | Intolerant |
| Shade Tolerance | Intolerant |
| Shade Tolerance | Intolerant |
| Temperature, Minimum (°F) | -7 |
| Temperature, Minimum (°F) | 12 |
| Temperature, Minimum (°F) | 12 |
| Temperature, Minimum (°F) | 13 |
| Precipitation, Maximum | 65 |
| Hedge Tolerance | None |
| Hedge Tolerance | None |
| Hedge Tolerance | None |
| Hedge Tolerance | None |
| Moisture Use | Medium |
| Moisture Use | Medium |
| Moisture Use | Medium |
| Moisture Use | Medium |
| Moisture Use | Medium |
| pH, Maximum | 7.5 |
| pH, Maximum | 7.5 |
| pH, Maximum | 7.5 |
| pH, Maximum | 7.5 |
| Precipitation, Maximum | 70 |
| Precipitation, Maximum | 65 |
| Precipitation, Maximum | 65 |
| Precipitation, Maximum | 65 |
| pH, Minimum | 5.5 |
| pH, Minimum | 5.5 |
| pH, Minimum | 5.5 |
| pH, Minimum | 5.5 |
| pH, Minimum | 5.5 |
| pH, Maximum | 7.5 |
Morphology/Physiology
| Resprout Ability | No |
|---|---|
| Resprout Ability | No |
| Shape and Orientation | Semi-Erect |
| Shape and Orientation | Semi-Erect |
| Shape and Orientation | Semi-Erect |
| Shape and Orientation | Semi-Erect |
| Shape and Orientation | Semi-Erect |
| Toxicity | None |
| Toxicity | None |
| Toxicity | None |
| Toxicity | None |
| Toxicity | Slight |
| Active Growth Period | Fall, Winter and Spring |
| Flower Conspicuous | Yes |
| Fall Conspicuous | No |
| Fall Conspicuous | No |
| Fire Resistant | No |
| Fire Resistant | No |
| Fire Resistant | No |
| Fire Resistant | No |
| Fire Resistant | No |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Flower Conspicuous | No |
| Flower Conspicuous | Yes |
| Fall Conspicuous | No |
| Flower Conspicuous | Yes |
| Flower Conspicuous | Yes |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Porosity Summer | Moderate |
| Foliage Porosity Summer | Porous |
| Foliage Porosity Summer | Porous |
| Foliage Porosity Summer | Porous |
| Foliage Porosity Summer | Porous |
| Foliage Porosity Winter | Porous |
| Bloat | Low |
| Resprout Ability | No |
| Active Growth Period | Fall, Winter and Spring |
| Active Growth Period | Fall, Winter and Spring |
| Active Growth Period | Fall, Winter and Spring |
| Active Growth Period | Fall, Winter and Spring |
| After Harvest Regrowth Rate | Moderate |
| After Harvest Regrowth Rate | Slow |
| After Harvest Regrowth Rate | Slow |
| After Harvest Regrowth Rate | Slow |
| After Harvest Regrowth Rate | Slow |
| Bloat | Low |
| Bloat | Low |
| Bloat | Low |
| Resprout Ability | No |
| Bloat | Low |
| C:N Ratio | Low |
| C:N Ratio | Low |
| C:N Ratio | Low |
| C:N Ratio | Low |
| C:N Ratio | Low |
| Coppice Potential | No |
| Coppice Potential | No |
| Coppice Potential | No |
| Coppice Potential | No |
| Coppice Potential | No |
| Fall Conspicuous | No |
| Fall Conspicuous | No |
| Leaf Retention | No |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Height, Mature (feet) | 1.3 |
| Height, Mature (feet) | 1.5 |
| Height, Mature (feet) | 1.5 |
| Height, Mature (feet) | 2.0 |
| Height, Mature (feet) | 2.0 |
| Known Allelopath | No |
| Known Allelopath | No |
| Known Allelopath | No |
| Known Allelopath | No |
| Known Allelopath | No |
| Leaf Retention | No |
| Leaf Retention | No |
| Foliage Porosity Winter | Porous |
| Leaf Retention | No |
| Leaf Retention | No |
| Low Growing Grass | No |
| Low Growing Grass | No |
| Low Growing Grass | No |
| Low Growing Grass | No |
| Low Growing Grass | No |
| Nitrogen Fixation | Medium |
| Nitrogen Fixation | Medium |
| Nitrogen Fixation | Medium |
| Nitrogen Fixation | Medium |
| Nitrogen Fixation | Medium |
| Resprout Ability | No |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Foliage Porosity Winter | Porous |
| Foliage Porosity Winter | Porous |
| Foliage Porosity Winter | Porous |
| Foliage Texture | Fine |
| Foliage Texture | Fine |
| Foliage Texture | Fine |
| Foliage Texture | Fine |
| Foliage Texture | Fine |
| Fruit/Seed Color | Brown |
| Fruit/Seed Color | Brown |
| Fruit/Seed Color | Brown |
| Fruit/Seed Color | Brown |
| Fruit/Seed Conspicuous | No |
| Fruit/Seed Color | Brown |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Growth Form | Single Crown |
| Growth Form | Single Crown |
| Growth Form | Single Crown |
| Growth Form | Single Crown |
| Fruit/Seed Conspicuous | No |
| Fruit/Seed Conspicuous | No |
| Fruit/Seed Conspicuous | No |
| Fruit/Seed Conspicuous | No |
| Growth Form | Single Crown |
Reproduction
| Propagated by Sod | No |
|---|---|
| Propagated by Sprigs | No |
| Propagated by Sprigs | No |
| Propagated by Sprigs | No |
| Propagated by Sprigs | No |
| Propagated by Sprigs | No |
| Propagated by Tubers | No |
| Propagated by Tubers | No |
| Propagated by Tubers | No |
| Propagated by Tubers | No |
| Fruit/Seed Persistence | No |
| Propagated by Tubers | No |
| Propagated by Sod | No |
| Propagated by Sod | No |
| Propagated by Sod | No |
| Propagated by Sod | No |
| Propagated by Seed | Yes |
| Propagated by Seed | Yes |
| Propagated by Seed | Yes |
| Propagated by Seed | Yes |
| Propagated by Seed | Yes |
| Propagated by Cuttings | No |
| Propagated by Cuttings | No |
| Propagated by Cuttings | No |
| Propagated by Cuttings | No |
| Seedling Vigor | High |
| Vegetative Spread Rate | None |
| Vegetative Spread Rate | None |
| Vegetative Spread Rate | None |
| Vegetative Spread Rate | None |
| Vegetative Spread Rate | None |
| Small Grain | No |
| Small Grain | No |
| Small Grain | No |
| Small Grain | No |
| Small Grain | No |
| Seedling Vigor | High |
| Seedling Vigor | High |
| Seed per Pound | 149760 |
| Seedling Vigor | High |
| Seedling Vigor | High |
| Seed Spread Rate | Slow |
| Seed Spread Rate | Slow |
| Seed Spread Rate | Slow |
| Seed Spread Rate | Slow |
| Seed Spread Rate | Slow |
| Seed per Pound | 149760 |
| Seed per Pound | 149760 |
| Seed per Pound | 149760 |
| Seed per Pound | 149760 |
| Fruit/Seed Abundance | High |
| Fruit/Seed Period End | Summer |
| Fruit/Seed Period End | Summer |
| Fruit/Seed Period End | Spring |
| Fruit/Seed Period End | Spring |
| Fruit/Seed Period Begin | Spring |
| Fruit/Seed Period Begin | Spring |
| Fruit/Seed Period Begin | Spring |
| Fruit/Seed Period Begin | Spring |
| Fruit/Seed Period Begin | Spring |
| Fruit/Seed Abundance | High |
| Fruit/Seed Abundance | High |
| Fruit/Seed Abundance | High |
| Propagated by Corm | No |
| Fruit/Seed Abundance | High |
| Commercial Availability | Routinely Available |
| Commercial Availability | Routinely Available |
| Commercial Availability | Routinely Available |
| Commercial Availability | Routinely Available |
| Commercial Availability | Routinely Available |
| Bloom Period | Early Spring |
| Bloom Period | Early Spring |
| Bloom Period | Early Spring |
| Bloom Period | Early Spring |
| Bloom Period | Early Spring |
| Propagated by Cuttings | No |
| Fruit/Seed Persistence | No |
| Fruit/Seed Period End | Summer |
| Propagated by Corm | No |
| Propagated by Corm | No |
| Propagated by Corm | No |
| Propagated by Corm | No |
| Propagated by Container | No |
| Propagated by Container | No |
| Propagated by Container | No |
| Propagated by Container | No |
| Propagated by Container | No |
| Propagated by Bulb | No |
| Propagated by Bulb | No |
| Propagated by Bulb | No |
| Propagated by Bulb | No |
| Fruit/Seed Persistence | No |
| Fruit/Seed Persistence | No |
| Fruit/Seed Persistence | No |
| Propagated by Bare Root | No |
| Propagated by Bare Root | No |
| Propagated by Bare Root | No |
| Propagated by Bare Root | No |
| Propagated by Bare Root | No |
| Propagated by Bulb | No |
Suitability/Use
| Post Product | No |
|---|---|
| Post Product | No |
| Post Product | No |
| Post Product | No |
| Palatable Human | No |
| Palatable Human | No |
| Palatable Human | No |
| Palatable Human | No |
| Palatable Human | No |
| Palatable Graze Animal | High |
| Palatable Graze Animal | High |
| Palatable Graze Animal | High |
| Palatable Graze Animal | High |
| Palatable Graze Animal | High |
| Palatable Browse Animal | High |
| Palatable Browse Animal | High |
| Post Product | No |
| Protein Potential | High |
| Protein Potential | High |
| Protein Potential | High |
| Protein Potential | High |
| Protein Potential | High |
| Pulpwood Product | No |
| Pulpwood Product | No |
| Pulpwood Product | No |
| Pulpwood Product | No |
| Pulpwood Product | No |
| Veneer Product | No |
| Veneer Product | No |
| Veneer Product | No |
| Veneer Product | No |
| Veneer Product | No |
| Christmas Tree Product | No |
| Lumber Product | No |
| Fodder Product | Yes |
| Fodder Product | Yes |
| Fodder Product | Yes |
| Fodder Product | Yes |
| Fodder Product | Yes |
| Christmas Tree Product | No |
| Christmas Tree Product | No |
| Lumber Product | No |
| Christmas Tree Product | No |
| Christmas Tree Product | No |
| Berry/Nut/Seed Product | No |
| Berry/Nut/Seed Product | No |
| Berry/Nut/Seed Product | No |
| Berry/Nut/Seed Product | No |
| Berry/Nut/Seed Product | No |
| Palatable Browse Animal | High |
| Lumber Product | No |
| Lumber Product | No |
| Lumber Product | No |
| Naval Store Product | No |
| Naval Store Product | No |
| Naval Store Product | No |
| Naval Store Product | No |
| Naval Store Product | No |
| Nursery Stock Product | No |
| Nursery Stock Product | No |
| Nursery Stock Product | No |
| Nursery Stock Product | No |
| Nursery Stock Product | No |
| Palatable Browse Animal | High |
| Palatable Browse Animal | High |
